Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Katy Farber, founder and editor of the site Non-Toxic Kids: Helping Your Kids Stay Safe, Healthy and Smart. The site went up this past October and has been quite a success in light of last year’s rash of recalls. In the words of Farber:
Americans make the assumption that all products on our store shelves have been tested by someone, somewhere. Well, obviously in light of the recent recalls, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
We here at Non-Toxic kids are researching products, data and information that will help you make your consumer choices healthier for your kids, families, and our environment. From sippy cups and baby bottles, to baby carriers and sleepers, we will give you a summary of an issue or concern, product reviews and recommendations, and where to go for further information.
Non-Toxic Kids is an indispensable site providing a wealth of information parents can really use. From the latest recalls, product and book recommendations, Non-Toxic-Kids covers it all. For more info, tips or comments, visit the site.
What prompted you to start this site? What were the events that led you to it?
I was looking for a new writing project, and I was researching and thinking about environmental health and sustainability issues everyday. All of my friends and I were discussing these topics so frequently, especially in light of all the recalls this summer and fall. I realized that moms across the country must be concerned and seeking information as well. I craved a place to record my thoughts, recommendations, links and information, and share it with families that it might help. I had been thinking about starting a blog, but I never felt a clear direction or focus until one day this fall, when I was running. The name Non-Toxic Kids came to me, as well as many of the themes I would write about. I started it that night, and it was Halloween (hence the post, Scary Baby Bottles).
What do you think needs to be done concerning the regulation standards in the U.S (Food, Toys, etc.)
We need some serious and sweeping changes in our country. Current legislation (and much of the lack of legislation, for that matter) protects huge multinational corporations and their interests, instead of the interests of families. This has to change. Family friendly policies, protecting those in poverty and the shrinking middle class need to be developed and enforced.
As far as food goes, I think we need labels for food that has been genetically altered in any way. We also need more clear labeling around where the food was produced, how far it traveled, and what pesticides were used, so we can all make better informed choices about what to buy. Right now, I am very concerned about the use of bisphenol-A in canned goods. I recently discovered BPA is used as a lining in canned goods, and of course, it leeches into the food. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disrupting chemical that causes reproductive and brain development problems in children. Most of the food industry is covert in labeling (such as ‘natural flavoring’). We need a more transparent and accountable food system.
As for toys, we need third party, independent regulators on the ground in the countries of origin. No unsafe toys should enter our markets (or any markets for children) in the first place. There is no reason lead should be used in any products, anywhere, no matter how cheap and available it is. Parents are exhausted trying to fight for their children’s health, and it feels like we are going at it alone. We need to follow the European Union’s lead on environmental health and safety standards, such as banning the use of phthalates in children’s toys (and in health and beauty products as well!)
What’s your opinion on the recall situation and China?
The Consumer Safety Product Commission is overwhelmed and under funded, despite what the chairwoman (who seems to be blinded by the Bush doctrine) says. They obviously can’t keep up with monitoring toy safety, when healthytoys.org found over 35% of the 1,300 toys they tested contained unsafe levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, or PVC. Go into any dollar store, grab a toy or other product, and test it for lead. My bet is that a majority of products carry unsafe levels of lead or another toxin. This is environmental prejudice. Who shops at dollar stores? The poor and the middle class, mostly, and having these product available cheaply to them, when they are harming their children, is deceptive, unethical and just plain wrong. We all need to band together to protect all families.
Do you think the Consumer Product Safety Commission is doing its job, and doing it well?
I am pleased that new legislation recently passed in the senate increasing funding for the CPSC, increasing penalties to violating companies, and creating new third party testing labs to test toys safety. It remains to be seen if it will actually work, but it is a huge step in the right direction.
The presidential campaign is under way. What would you like to see the candidates address in terms of food/toy safety and general safety/trade regulations?
I would really like one of the candidates to address changing the philosophy of our country’s environmental health standards from one of that is spotty, inconsistent, and sluggish, to one that is precautionary, interconnected, and rooted in protecting our children from any harm.
I want to hear a clear and detailed plan from the candidates about how they will protect our kids from toxins in all products, not just toys. Cosmetics, jewelry, household products, we need safe, healthy products for everyone, and currently the corporations are deciding what is safe based on their own bottom lines. This will never work, no matter how many people cry that the market will take care of itself. Look at where it has led us so far. We are falling behind in the world in the area of environmental health and safety in the developed world, and as Mark Schapiro notes in his book, The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power, this will have dire financial consequences.
An article on the Maryland Vaccination situation appeared in Mothering Magazine recently (Jan/Feb 08). What are your thoughts on that? Do you plan to discuss the topic of vaccination?
I am not a doctor, and certainly not an expert in the area of vaccinations, and I haven’t seen that article yet (although I have heard about it and would like to read it). I have done research about vaccinations and talked with my doctor to make decisions for our girls. I’ve thought about tackling this and other big issues such as fluoridation in future posts. I would share current research, some personal thinking, and links for more information. I don’t want to offend anyone; I only want to share quality information, my perspectives and experiences in hopes that it helps families make the decisions that are right for them.
What are your plans concerning N.T.K.? What do you hope to provide your readers with?
I plan on continuing to write about the areas I care deeply about, in hopes that it helps parents keep their kids healthy and safe. Busy parents need someone on their side, and to know they are not alone in dealing with these issues. I hope to provide readers with quality information, usable tips and updates, and creative ideas for raising kids as naturally as possible, with a dose of personal experience and humor.
I also hope that Non-Toxic Kids can become a vehicle for change. I will continue to post ways people can get involved to improve our environmental health and safety standards. This month I will be testifying in the Vermont legislature in support of what would be the toughest lead regulation bill in the nation. I’ll share about this experience and provide more ways readers can get involved.
